NWC Federal Spotlight (January 2026)

NWC FEDERAL SPOTLIGHT (January 2026)

January 15, 2026

Hello NWC Members,

January often feels like a reset, but in Washington, it rarely comes quietly. Congress returned last week for the second half of the 119th Congress, and while it was a busy first week, the larger story is the rest of the year. Key issues affecting water resources and waterways are already lining up, and the decisions made in the coming weeks will shape policy and funding priorities well beyond this year.

On the Congressional front, attention is turning quickly to several major items, including health care, fiscal year 2026 appropriations, and the early stages of the next Water Resources Development Act. You can find more details on what to watch in the Congressional Spotlight section of this Federal Spotlight.

Activity has also been significant on the agency side. Several final rules were released recently, including updates to Nationwide Permits and the Council of Environmental Quality’s rollback of its NEPA regulations. A summary of these developments is included in the Federal Agency Spotlight below.

Behind the scenes, NWC has been working actively on your behalf.

• WRDA: Last month, we testified on WRDA 2026. Our Government Affairs Committee met on Jan. 9 to begin discussing potential NWC positions for WRDA 2026 and beyond.
• WOTUS: Last week, we submitted comments on the proposed Waters of the U.S. definition under the Clean Water Act.
• Section 408: We also met with GAO to discuss implementation of a WRDA 2024 provision that directed GAO to conduct a review of the Corps’ Section 408 program. GAO has expressed interest in hearing directly from non-Federal entities with on-the-ground experiences with the 408 program. Those conversations can occur without attribution. If you or your organization may be interested in talking with GAO, please let us know and we are happy to make the connection.

Another quick reminder the WRDA portals have opened in both the House and Senate to gather study, projects, and policy ideas from Congressional members for WRDA 2026.  The House portal opened on January 12, 2026, and will close on January 30, 2026.  The Senate portals opened on January 9, 2026, and will close on February 6, 2026. If you have an idea, now is the time to engage with both USACE and your members of Congress.

A quick reminder as well that registration is open for NWC’s Legislative Summit, taking place April 20–22, 2026 in Washington, DC. This year’s Summit will include a new one-day joint meeting with the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, focused on federal agencies and cross-cutting water resources issues.

Finally, we want to give members an early heads-up on a potential NWC dues increase this year. NWC’s Board of Directors discussed and approved interim dues language at its December 2025 meeting and has asked staff and a task force to update calculations so the Board can revisit the issue in the coming month. Dues have not been increased since 2020, and the costs of doing business have risen significantly during that time. While final numbers are still being worked through, members should expect a dues increase ahead.

The earliest any change could take effect would be the start of NWC’s next fiscal year on July 1, 2026, which aligns with the FY 2027 budget. Because NWC operates on a rolling membership year, any updated dues would apply at the time of each member’s renewal, based on their individual anniversary date, meaning most members would not see a change until later in the year. We will continue to keep members informed as this work moves forward.

As always, thank you for your engagement and support.

Best,

Julie and the NWC Team

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Inland Rivers Ports & Terminals Resilience Project. The Inland Rivers Ports and Terminals (IRPT)’s Resilience Project is a resource for ports and terminals to strengthen their ability to anticipate, prepare, respond, and recover from unexpected disruptions.  The IRPT has tools, guidance, and best practices to reduce disaster impacts before they occur.  The resiliency pages include best practices and how to prepare for hurricanes, low river conditions, winter weather, and flooding.  The IRPT is looking to add more resiliency guidelines, including physical security, cyber security, and a glossary of key terms.  The document is a living document for shared learning and collaboration.

CONGRESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT

OVERVIEW.  As we ring in the new year, Congress enters 2026 facing a series of deadlines with a compressed agenda.  The 2026 Congressional Calendars have been released for the second half of the 119^th session, with the House having 115 days, and the Senate having 150 days in session.  Multiple policy tracks are moving ahead at the same time, and all are competing for floor time, which is shaping the dynamic about what can be achieved over the upcoming weeks and months.  Key issues include ongoing pressures surrounding healthcare subsidies, government funding, the surface transportation reauthorization bill, Water Resources Development Act of 2026, and a growing list of election-year dynamics that are already affecting how Congress operates in a shortened legislative calendar.

CHAMBER DYNAMICS – RETIREMENTS, VACANCIES, AND HOW IT COULD IMPACT HOUSE VOTING. Currently, there are 218 Republicans, 213 Democrats, and four vacancies.  The vacancies are due to a mix of deaths and resignations.  While on paper, this looks like a clear difference, in actuality, it is not.  The math for voting assumes that every lawmaker is physically present in D.C. to vote on bills.  However, this does not account for unexpected events, such as sickness, family emergencies, and even unexpected deaths.

This gives Republicans a small majority – one or two absences can completely change the outcome of pending legislation.

We have been watching this dynamic play out over the last several months. Before the holidays, it became particularly evident with the use of discharge petitions, and we are very likely to see it again this month across several different issues, where just a handful of votes could turn the tide. This became especially apparent last week when the House began discussions on how to move a three-bill fiscal year 2026 appropriations package (which they ultimately passed) and surrounding the extension of the ACA subsidies.

This tight vote margin also does not account for the growing number of members who have already announced they will not be seeking re-election at the end of this Congress.

At this point:

• Nine members of the U.S. Senate have announced they are not seeking re-election in 2026.
• Forty-five members of the U.S. House of Representatives have announced they are not seeking re-election.

That’s 54 members scheduled to leave by the end of this Congress.

On top of the resignations, the 2026 midterms are beginning to shape this year.  It remains uncertain at this point what will happen for those who are running for re-election, and for the vacant seats of those members who have decided that they will not run again.

UPCOMING CONGRESSIONAL DEADLINES TO WATCH IN 2026. In Congress, deadlines drive action, and lawmakers will face a steady series of pressure points throughout 2026. These decision moments begin early in the year with healthcare and government funding, move through national security, tax, and energy policy, and culminate in year-end funding and defense legislation. Each deadline creates leverage: policy negotiations, all unfolding against the backdrop of the November midterm elections, which are expected to increasingly shape legislative behavior as the year progresses.

• Early January brings renewed, though narrow, attention to Affordable Care Act subsidies that expired at the end of December. While consumers have already selected coverage for the year, some lawmakers continue to pursue a potential retroactive fix if agreement can be reached by mid-January. The House passed legislation that will extend the health care subsidies by three years, with a final vote of 230-196, with 17 Republican legislators voting in favor.  The bill now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to be dead on arrival.  However, the House vote could create an opportunity for future bipartisan conversations surrounding a health care package.
• Mid-January: Attention then shifts quickly to FY2026 government funding, with current funding for most federal agencies set to expire on January 30. Lawmakers will have only a few weeks to avoid another shutdown, placing pressure on leadership to advance appropriations or a short-term extension. Beyond the immediate operational impacts, the funding debate will test Congress’s ability to assert its authority over federal spending in an election year environment.
• In April, lawmakers will confront the expiration of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a long controversial surveillance authority that has drawn bipartisan concern. The upcoming reauthorization debate is expected to be contentious, particularly as civil liberties questions intersect with broader concerns about executive authority. Proposals to require warrants for certain data collection activities are expected to feature prominently.
• In June, several tax and energy provisions will come into focus. On June 30, tax credits supporting electric vehicle charging infrastructure and clean fuel projects are scheduled to expire under last year’s tax and spending law. The outcome will influence investment certainty for clean energy deployment and related infrastructure projects.
• September 30/October 1: This fall brings multiple high deadlines. Federal funding for fiscal year 2026 expires on September 30, reviving the annual appropriations showdown. At the same time, Farm Bill programs that were excluded from the prior tax package also reach their expiration date, reopening negotiations that proved difficult to resolve on a bipartisan basis last year. One day later, on October 1, Medicaid provider tax changes enacted under the GOP tax law take effect, potentially triggering significant reductions in federal health funding to states.
• November: While not a legislative deadline, the November 3 midterm elections will loom over every major decision throughout the year. As Election Day approaches, bipartisan compromises are likely to become harder to reach, and rank and file members may be more willing to break from leadership positions. Following the elections, Congress will enter a lame duck period in which departing lawmakers cast final votes without the pressure of future campaigns. Depending on the election outcome, the window between November and the end of the year could become a final opportunity to advance unfinished priorities.

The year is expected to conclude, as usual, with consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act, which lawmakers typically finalize by the end of December. As one of the few must pass annual bills, the NDAA may again serve as a vehicle for additional policy provisions as this Congress winds down.

FISCAL YEAR 2026 APPROPRIATIONS. WHERE THINGS STAND. Congress is racing toward the January 30 government funding deadline for fiscal year 2026, with less than 6 legislative days left on the calendar, with nine of the twelve appropriations bills remain unresolved.

Recent Action. On Jan. 15,  the Senate passed the Commerce, Justice, and Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment (H.R. 6938) by a strong bipartisan vote of 82-15. The measure now heads to the President, who is expected to sign it into law. Once enacted, this package would bring the total number of fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills signed into law to six (of twelve).

Earlier this week, the House passed the Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State Appropriations Act, 2026 (HR 7006) by a vote of 341–79. The package would provide $76 billion in appropriations for the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), State Department and related agency programs for FY2026. The Senate is expected to take up the measure when it returns after the Martin Luther King Day holiday.

What’s Next. Appropriators are aiming to release text for the four remaining spending bills – Defense; Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; Transportation and Housing and Urban Development; and Homeland Security – as soon as this Sunday.

The Defense, Labor-HHS-Education, and Transportation-HUD bills represent the largest share of discretionary spending and are widely viewed as the most difficult to negotiate.

Additionally, the Homeland Security bill has become contentious following the recent fatal ICE-related shooting in Minneapolis, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement funding emerging as a central point of dispute. As a result, there has been discussion of addressing Homeland Security through a Continuing Resolution rather than a full year appropriations bill. If that approach is taken, attention would shift to final negotiations on the remaining full year bills.

These dynamics are unfolding as Congress approaches the start of the fiscal year 2027 appropriations cycle. Historically, the President’s budget is released in early February, although that timeline has slipped in recent years. Until fiscal year 2026 is resolved, leadership is unlikely to fully engage on fiscal year 2027, adding further uncertainty to the overall appropriations process.

FY2026 ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS

As noted above, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees released a compromise three-bill fiscal year 2026 appropriations package, which includes Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment.  This bill passed the House last week and the Senate this week and has been sent to the President to be signed into law.

The chart below details how the FY2026 compromise numbers compare to previous House and Senate funding, and what was enacted in FY2025.

For more information regarding topline funding for the Commerce, Justice, and Science, and the Interior and Environment bills, specific policy provisions, bill texts, community funded projects, and more, please view NWC’s January 6 News Alert.

EMAIL OUTLINING POTENTIAL ACTION FOR THE FUTURE OF FEMA DISASTER RESPONSE.

After the holidays, multiple news sources released information that flagged FEMA emails sent to senior leadership about cutting the FEMA workforce by over 50 percent. Sent by FEMA’s chief human capitol office, the email instructed leadership to identify which positions are essential verses those that could be cut by the end of FY2026. According to the emails, permanent staff would decrease 15 percent, and the disaster response staff may be cut 41 percent.

The message emphasized that no final decisions have been made and that the exercise was for planning purposes only. Subsequent internal documents referenced potential cuts of approximately 11,500 positions, or about half of the agency’s workforce.

These developments are occurring as part of a broader overhaul of FEMA under the Trump Administration and the Department of Homeland Security, which has emphasized reducing the size of the federal workforce and shifting greater responsibility for disaster response and recovery to states. The internal planning aligns with recommendations in a December draft report which calls for staff reductions and relocation of the agency’s workforce, contributing to continued uncertainty about FEMA’s future structure and staffing levels.

LATEST NEWS ON PERMITTING REFORM.

Recent conversations of bipartisan permitting reform in the Senate have stalled due to recent actions made by the Trump Administration on renewable energy.  On December 22, 2025, President Trump paused construction of five offshore wind projects along the East Coast.  The decision has left Democratic lawmakers angry, with lead Democratic negotiators walking away from further permitting discussions, unless the Trump Administration reverses the decision.

Permitting reform has been a recent priority during the 119^th Congress, as more legislators seek to streamline and reform the process, and cut red tape to deliver more timely, critical infrastructure projects. Before Congress went on recess for the Holidays, the House passed the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development Act (SPEED Act, H.R. 4776),  on December 18, 2025, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) that would modernize aspects of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to shorten environmental review timelines and limit certain judicial challenges. The bill specifically includes provisions about reducing the scope of environmental reviews and providing clarity on when NEPA is used.  The bill cleared the House with a vote of 221-196 and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Despite the ongoing setbacks, there have been conversations that bipartisan talks surrounding permitting reform will resume in 2026.  There have been conversations that the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill will most likely include other bipartisan legislation, including permitting reform and other infrastructure legislation.  Conversations surrounding the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill will begin in early March.

ELECTIONS TO WATCH: MARCH PRIMARY OUTLOOK. In the 2026 Congressional elections, all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and 35 seats in the U.S. Senate will be contested on November 3, 2026. As of early January 2026, the House is controlled by Republicans with a 218–213 majority and four vacancies, while in the Senate Republicans hold a 53–45 majority with two independents who caucus with Democrats.

Nonpartisan ratings from The Cook Political Report show that most House seats are currently rated as safe for the incumbent party, with about 181 solid Democratic seats and 189 solid Republican seats, and a smaller number of seats rated likely, leaning, or toss-up that could be competitive in the general election. In the Senate, 33 seats plus two special elections are in play, with Democrats defending 13 and Republicans defending 22, and a handful of races rated competitive or toss-ups by multiple forecasters.

Primary season begins in earnest in early March, shaping the field for these competitive contests and setting the stage for November’s general election. From early March through mid September, with pauses in April and July, voters in dozens of states will determine nominees in both chambers, including in districts and states where retirements have opened seats and, in many instances, made primaries effectively the decisive election.

The first major day of contests is March 3, with primaries in Texas, North Carolina, and Arkansas. In Texas, the Democratic Senate primary features Rep. Jasmine Crockett and state Rep. James Talarico, while the Republican Senate field includes Sen. John Cornyn, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and Rep. Wesley Hunt. Several House primaries in Texas are also competitive due to redistricting and open seats. In North Carolina, former Gov. Roy Cooper faces challengers in the Democratic Senate primary and Republicans are contesting their nomination in a race that will shape the November ballot. The March 10 Mississippi primary includes a Democratic House contest featuring Rep. Bennie Thompson and challenger Evan Turnage.

On March 17, Illinois holds a Senate primary to succeed retiring Sen. Dick Durbin, with Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton competing for the Democratic nomination. The same day will also decide several open House nominations in Illinois due to a cluster of retirements. These early primaries will begin to define the competitive landscape for both chambers as the general election cycle unfolds.

RECENT AND UPCOMING CONGRESSIONAL MEETINGS AND HEARINGS OF INTEREST:

• “Oversight Hearing titled, ‘Fix Our Forests for Affordable and Reliable Water and Power Supplies.” Thursday, January 8, 2026, 10:00 AM ET.  House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries. Video Recording Available.
• “Legislative Hearing on H.R. 5745” Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 10:15 AM ET. House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Energy and Resource Materials. Video Recording Available.
• “Protecting America’s Energy Infrastructure in Today’s Cyber and Physical Threat Landscape.” Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 10:15 AM ET. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Energy. Video Recording Available.
• “Drugs, Thugs, and Fish: Examining Coast Guard Law Enforcement Efforts.” Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 10:00 AM ET. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. Video Recording Available.
• “Assessing America’s AI Action Plan.” Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 10:00 AM ET.  House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, Subcommittee on Research and Technology. Video Recording Available.
• “Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Member Day.” Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 10:00 AM ET. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Video Recording Available.
• “Empowering Rural America Through Investment in Innovation.” Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 10AM ET. House Small Business Committee, Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy and Supply Chains. Video Recording Will Be Available.
• “Deep Dive: Examining the Regulatory and Statutory Barriers to Deep Sea Mining.” Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 2:15 PM ET. House Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources. Video Recording Will Be Available.
• “Hearings to Examine the Federal Environmental Review and Permitting Process, part 2.” Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 10:00 AM ET. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. Video Recording Will Be Available.

JUDICIAL SPOTLIGHT

OFFSHORE WIND PROJECT LIGITATION

Several offshore wind developers have filed lawsuits challenging the Trump administration’s December 2025 decision to suspend construction activity on five federally approved offshore wind projects in federal waters. On December 22, the Department of the Interior paused development for Vineyard Wind 1, Revolution Wind, Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, Sunrise Wind, and Empire Wind 1, citing newly identified national security concerns related to potential radar interference from wind turbine operations. The projects, which extend along the East Coast from New England to Virginia, had previously received full federal approvals and were already under construction.

In recent weeks, developers have sought judicial relief. Empire Wind filed suit on Friday, following similar filings by Revolution Wind and Dominion Energy, which is challenging the suspension of its Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project. The plaintiffs argue that the projects underwent extensive federal review prior to approval, including national security assessments, and contend that the suspension orders place projects at risk of cancellation due to complex construction schedules that rely on specialized vessels and tightly sequenced activities. Revolution Wind has stated in court filings that its project was approximately 87 percent complete at the time of the suspension.

Revolution Wind previously challenged an earlier work stop order and was permitted by a federal court to resume construction in September 2025. In the current litigation, the companies are asking courts to assess whether the Interior Department exceeded its authority by halting projects that had already satisfied federal permitting and review requirements. The Department of the Interior has declined to comment on the pending lawsuits, referring instead to prior statements from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who has said that offshore wind turbine blade movement can interfere with radar systems and that the administration’s action addresses emerging national security risks near East Coast population centers.

The legal challenges will determine whether the administration can sustain long term suspensions of previously authorized offshore wind projects, with implications for federal permitting authority, energy infrastructure development, and the treatment of national security considerations in post-approval project oversight.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SPOTLIGHT

ADMINISTRATION

 FEDERAL WORKFORCE AND AGENCY CAPACITY OUTLOOK

Federal agencies enter 2026 following a significant contraction of the civilian workforce and amid continued uncertainty about staffing stability and operational capacity. According to a January 1, 2026 analysis by Federal News Network, the Trump administration’s effort to reduce the size of the federal workforce resulted in a net decline of approximately 10.8 percent in 2025, with more than 317,000 federal employees leaving government service. Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor stated that the vast majority of separations occurred through voluntary programs, including deferred resignation and buyouts, rather than formal reductions in force, and that the overall reduction exceeded administration targets. Critics, including the Partnership for Public Service and Congressional Democrats, argue that the combination of shutdown related disruptions and the expectation of future layoffs contributed to what they describe as a de facto forced exodus, with consequences for agency performance and service delivery.

While most workforce reductions were voluntary, formal reduction in force (RIF) activity did emerge during the 2025 government shutdown. The White House budget director announced in October 2025 that RIF actions had begun, and several agencies issued notices. Those actions were met with legal challenges from federal employee unions, and courts temporarily paused some layoffs, leaving the long-term scope and durability of RIF authorities unresolved.

In parallel, OPM has signaled additional workforce policy changes affecting probationary federal employees. As reported by Federal News Network, OPM is preparing revisions that would modify how probationary employees are evaluated and separated, a move that could alter agency hiring practices and increase caution around onboarding early career staff. These changes were formally outlined in a December 30, 2025 notice published in the Federal Register, indicating that revisions to probationary employee policies are moving forward at the administrative level. Agency officials and workforce groups have raised questions about how such changes may affect recruitment pipelines, workforce planning, and institutional continuity at a time when agencies are already operating with reduced staffing levels.

Looking ahead, a December 2025 assessment by Government Executive identified workforce capacity, hiring constraints, morale, and management strain as among the most significant issues federal agencies and employees will face in 2026. The publication noted that agencies are navigating reduced staffing levels while being asked to implement new policy directives, absorb operational disruptions, and plan amid continued uncertainty around appropriations, executive branch priorities, and future workforce reductions. Together, these dynamics are expected to shape how effectively federal agencies can execute policy decisions and deliver services in the year ahead, regardless of legislative or judicial outcomes.

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BUREAU OF RECLAMATION

MEETING. Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Advisory Council Public Meeting (January 22, 2026, 3:00–5:00 p.m. MDT, Virtual.) The Bureau of Reclamation will convene a public meeting of the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Advisory Council on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. MDT (virtual) under the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The meeting will focus on updates and accomplishments related to salinity control efforts in the Colorado River Basin, with federal agencies including Reclamation, BLM, USFWS, USGS, NRCS, and EPA providing progress reports and outlining upcoming activities. Council members will also discuss salinity control research, interagency coordination, and the Basin States Program authorized under Public Law 110-246. Time will be provided for public comment, and written comments will be accepted before and after the meeting.

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COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

FINAL RULE. Removal of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Implementing Regulations.  On January 8, 2026, the Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) finalized a rule removing its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). This follows a 2024 court decision concluding that CEQ lacks statutory authority to issue binding NEPA regulations applicable across federal agencies. As a result, responsibility for NEPA implementing regulations now rests with individual agencies. The final rule does not change substantive NEPA requirements but formally clears the way for federal agencies to issue and implement their own NEPA regulations.  The rule became effective on January 8, 2026.

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

REMINDER: NOTICE OF FUNDING. FY 2026 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grants available. (Applications Feb. 24, 2026, 5pm ET). The U.S. Department of Transportation has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity for fiscal year 2026 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants under the National Infrastructure Investments program. Applications are due by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on February 24, 2026. BUILD grants are competitive discretionary grants that support planning and construction of surface transportation infrastructure projects with local or regional significance. Eligible projects span a wide range of transportation modes and objectives, including roadway, bridge, rail, transit, port, and intermodal facilities. Projects may also incorporate resilience, flood risk reduction, and environmental sustainability elements when they are tied to transportation infrastructure. Examples of eligible projects include port and freight facility improvements, multimodal connections, bridge replacements, roadway elevation or relocation in flood prone areas, transportation access to water supply or wastewater facilities, and infrastructure designed to improve system resilience to flooding and extreme weather. While BUILD does not fund standalone flood control or water supply projects, transportation components that support these broader objectives may be eligible. For fiscal year 2026, approximately $1.5 billion is available nationwide, with a maximum award of $25 million per project. The Department anticipates making approximately 100 awards. Eligible applicants include states, local governments, transit agencies, port authorities, and other public entities. BUILD grants have supported a diverse set of projects, including port and waterway related infrastructure, flood resilient transportation assets, and multimodal connections serving water dependent communities. As such, the program may be relevant to NWC members working across navigation, flood risk management, water supply, and integrated water resources infrastructure.

PUBLIC COMMENTS. DOT Seeks Input on Transportation Research & Development Strategic Plan (Comments due by February 12, 2026.) The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology published a Request for Information in the Federal Register on January 13, 2026, inviting public comments to inform the development of the Transportation Research and Development (RD&T) Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2026–2030. Under statutory requirements, the strategic plan will guide future federal transportation research priorities, including mobility, safety, infrastructure resilience, environmental preservation, and cybersecurity, among other goals. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit comments by February 12, 2026, addressing questions about research priorities, emerging challenges, coordination with other government and private entities, and how research can advance the transportation system now and in the future.

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA)

PROPOSED RULE. National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for Perchlorate (Comments due March 9, 2026, 5:00 PM ET).

The EPA is proposing a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for perchlorate and a health-based Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).  The EPA is also proposing requirements for water systems to monitor perchlorate in drinking water and to take action if the level exceeds the maximum containment level. The regulation includes notifying the public through notifications and consumer confidence reports. Those looking to submit comments can do so to https://www.reglations.gov under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2024-0592.  Comments are due on March 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM ET.

PUBLIC MEETING. Public Hearing On Proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for Perchlorate. (February 19, 2026, 1:00-4:00 PM ET, Virtual)

The EPA is hosting a public hearing on February 19, 2026, from 1-4 PM ET to present information and to receive public comment on the proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for perchlorate. At this hearing, participants will have an opportunity to provide a brief public comment during the hearing and should indicate their interest of doing so when registering.  The last day to register to speak at the hearing is February 12, 2026. An agenda with the speaker order will be made available on February 16, 2026, and is available here. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

NOTICE. Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC): Request for Member Nominations. (Nominations due January 15, 2026)

EPA is seeking nominations for its Small Communities Advisory Subcommittee (SCAC) for the Local Government Advisory Committee (LGAC).  Nominees must hold an elected position with local tribal, state, or territorial governments, or serve in a full-time government position appointed by an elected official. Those interested in being nominated must submit their application to LGAC@epa.gov with SCAS 2026 NOMINATION in the header.  Nominations should be submitted by January 15, 2026. Nominations must submit the following materials in order to be considered:

•  Current contact information for the applicant/nominee, including name, organization (and position within that organization), current work address, email address, and daytime telephone number,
• Brief statement describing the nominee’s interest in serving on the SCAS,
• Resume and/or short biography (no more than 2 pages) describing professional, educational, and other pertinent qualifications of the nominee, including a list of relevant activities as well as any current or previous service on advisory committees; and,
• Any letter(s) of recommendation from a third party (or parties) supporting the nomination. Letter(s) should describe how the nominee’s experience and knowledge will bring value to the work of the SCAS.

UPCOMING PROPOSED RULE. Revising Existing Clean Water Act Section 401 Certifications. (Comment deadline to be determined once posted in the Federal Register.)

On January 13, 2026, the EPA announced a proposed rule to revise the existing Section 401 water quality certification regulations.  This rule has not been published in the Federal Register at this time.  Once the proposed rule has been posted to the Federal Register, the EPA will begin accepting comments on the proposed rule.  Those looking to submit comments on the proposed rule can submit them to https://www.regulations.gov under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2025-2929.

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NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

NOMINATIONS REQUEST. Nominations for Membership on the National Sea Grant Advisory Board (NSGAB). (Interested Candidates should submit as soon as possible, and recommended no later than by January 31, 2026, 5:00 PM ET, for consideration.)

The National Sea Grand Advisory Board (NSGAB) is looking for new member nominations. The current posting does not list a specific deadline for submitting nominations, but NOAA has indicated that, to be considered for current year openings, nominations submitted by January 31 have been typical in past cycles. This board advises NOAA and the National Sea Grant College Program on different strategies to understand, assess, develop, management utilization, and conservation of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes Resources.  Those looking to apply for the board must submit a current resume.  Interested candidates should also write a cover letter highlighting specific areas of expertise related to the NSGAB is helpful, but not required.  Those interested in applying should send in their materials as soon as possible for consideration to oar.sg-feedback@noaa.gov. Interested parties are encouraged to submit nominations promptly and to confirm current timing directly with NOAA via the contact listed in the notice.

PUBLIC MEETING. NOAA National Science Advisory Board (SAB) Meeting Rescheduled (March 10-11, 2026, 9:00-5:00 PM ET, Virtual and In-Person Attendance). The NOAA National Science Advisory Board (SAB) is hosting a meeting on March 10-11, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET to discuss issues outlined on the agenda. The new meeting is a response to the originally scheduled SAB meeting from November 5-6, 2025.  The meeting will go over a Consent Calendar for approval of Working Groups Membership and Terms of References, Working group reports for approval and submission, NOAA Science Updates and responses to previous reports, and Working Group updates. The March 10-11, 2026, meeting will take place at the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction (NCWCP) Conference Center, 5830 University Research Court, College Park, MD 20740. https://sab.noaa.gov/current-meetings/. The link for the webinar registration will be posted, when available, on the SAB website: https://sab.noaa.gov/ current-meetings/.

HEARING. Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee Meeting (January 29, 2026, 1:00-2:00 PM ET, Virtual).

The Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee is hosting a public meeting on January 29, 2026, from 1-2 PM ET.  The meeting will discuss updates on Federal Marine Debris activities, with a particular emphasis on the launch of a new Abandoned and Derelict Vessel (ADV) National Database. The purpose of the database is to provide the public the opportunity to report ADVs, to help identify the scope of the problem, and track prevention and removal efforts. Those interested in attending must do so via Google Meet or by dialing into the meeting: Phone: (US) +1 631-260-1193 PIN: 887 629 280# .  Note that registration is limited to the first 500 participants.  More information, meeting agendas, and updates can be found here.

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STATE DEPARTMENT

PUBLIC MEETING. Public Meeting in Preparation for the International Maritime Organization PPR 13 Meeting (February 4, 2026, 1:00 PM ET, Virtual).

The State Department is hosting a virtual public meeting on Microsoft Teams on February 4, 2026, at 1:00 PM to prepare for the 13th session of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Pollution Prevention and Response Sub-Committee (PPR 13) to be held in London, United Kingdom, February 9 – 13 , 2026. Members of the public can participate in the public meeting up to the capacity of the Microsoft Teams line. The Microsoft Teams information is Conference Call-in number: (+1 410-874-6742); Phone Conference ID: (213 768 608#). To RSVP, participants should contact the meeting coordinator, Ms. Nicole M. Schindler by email at Nicole.M.Schindler@uscg.mil no later than Monday, February 2, 2026. The agenda for the upcoming meeting can be found here.

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U.S. COAST GUARD

FAQs. Coast Guard Issues FAQs on MTS Cybersecurity Rule Implementation. The U.S. Coast Guard has published a set of Frequently Asked Questions to clarify implementation of its final rule on Cybersecurity in the Marine Transportation System (MTS), addressing stakeholder questions while formal guidance and approval procedures are still under development. The FAQs confirm that cybersecurity plans are not yet being approved, though previously submitted plans will be retained, and emphasize that all MTSA-regulated facilities and vessels must conduct cybersecurity assessments regardless of whether they operate operational technology systems. Owners and operators remain ultimately responsible for compliance, including personnel training, which is guided by a separate Coast Guard policy letter issued in October 2025. The document also outlines expectations for cybersecurity officers, assessments, audits, drills, and exercises, and confirms that cybersecurity plans may be harmonized with existing Facility or Vessel Security Plans. The Coast Guard notes that inspection and enforcement approaches are still being developed and encourages stakeholders to engage with local Captains of the Port or designated cyber specialists as implementation moves forward.

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U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

PUBLIC MEETING. Western Water Cooperative Meeting (February 5, 2026 2:00-4:00 PM ET, Virtual).

On February 5, 2026, the Western Water Cooperative will be holding a virtual meeting available to the public from 2:00-4:00 PM ET. At this meeting, the agenda will include a discussion of the proposed by-laws and discuss the meeting date and location for the next meeting. Anyone looking to get more information about the meeting agenda and link for the webinar will be posted when available on the website.  Those looking to submit comments or to speak at the meeting should submit them by email as soon as possible, to WWCC@usace.army.mil.

FINAL ACTION. Reissuance and Modification of Nationwide Permits (Effective March 15, 2026).

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has reissued 56 existing nationwide permits (NWPs), general conditions, and definitions with some modifications.  The Corps is also issuing one completely new NWP.  The 57 new NWPs will go into effect on March 15, 2026, and will expire on March 15, 2031.  NWPs authorize activities under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 which have minimal individual and cumulative impacts on the environment. Those looking for the list of the 57 finalized NWPs can do so here.